Former Springbok loose forward Schalk Burger believes Evan Roos has earned his place back in the national conversation after another powerful season for the Stormers.
Roos is the URC’s top try-scorer after the regular season, dotting down 12 times for the Cape side.
Speaking on the Boks Unpacked podcast following the announcement of Rassie Erasmus’ latest 40-man Springbok alignment camp squad, Burger said Roos deserved recognition for his recent form despite still having areas of his game to refine.
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“Evan Roos deserves it,” Burger said.
“If there’s a weakness in his game, it’s just his soft skills. He’s got an inherent error-rate there – either through discipline or handling errors – but he carries the ball so strongly.
“When the Stormers are direct and he’s getting over the gainline and scoring tries, that’s when the Stormers are at their best.
“As a player, you want to be rewarded for playing good rugby.”
Roos is one of several players looking to force their way into Erasmus’ plans ahead of a massive 2026 season for the Springboks.
The alignment camp squad includes 10 uncapped players as Erasmus continues to widen the talent pool before the start of the international campaign.
Among the fresh faces are Sharks prospect Zekhethelo Siyaya and Lions bruiser Sibabalwe Mahashe, who both received their first senior Springbok invitations after standout domestic campaigns.
Burger believes Siyaya, in particular, has the talent to break through at Test level sooner rather than later.
“I think Siyaya at fullback gets a game somewhere,” Burger predicted.
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Meanwhile, Embrose Papier’s inclusion has also drawn attention after the Vodacom Bulls scrumhalf missed the previous two alignment camps despite his outstanding form.
Springbok alignment camp group
Forwards: Paul de Villiers, Ben-Jason Dixon, Neethling Fouché, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Salmaan Moerat, Riley Norton, Zachary Porthen, Evan Roos, André-Hugo Venter (all Stormers); Bathobele Hlekani, Francke Horn, Sibabalwe Mahashe (all Lions); Johan Grobbelaar, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Gerhard Steenekamp, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese (all Vodacom Bulls); Siya Kolisi, Ox Nché, Emmanuel Tshituka (all Sharks).
Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard (all Vodacom Bulls); André Esterhuizen, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams (all Sharks); Quan Horn, Haashim Pead, Henco van Wyk, Morné van den Berg (all Lions); Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse (both Stormers).
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
